Step 1: Understanding lateral ties in reinforced concrete columns.
- Lateral ties are provided in reinforced concrete columns to hold the longitudinal reinforcement (main bars) in position and prevent their buckling under axial compression.
Step 2: Role of lateral ties.
- They restrain lateral expansion of the column core.
- They prevent buckling of longitudinal steel, ensuring better load transfer and stability.
- While they do provide some confinement to concrete, their primary function is to prevent buckling of longitudinal reinforcement.
Thus, the correct answer is (A) avoid the buckling of the longitudinal steel under compression.